State Border Guard Service of Ukraine
A spokesperson for the State Border Guard Service reported no changes on the border with Belarus and no troop movements. Nevertheless, the direction remains threatened by Russia's influence on Belarus.
According to the State Border Guard Service, 443,000 Ukrainians who traveled abroad in 2024 did not return. This is a threefold increase compared to 2023, when 134,000 citizens did not return.
Ukraine received a 155 mm DITA self-propelled artillery system from the Czech Republic. The system is automated, requires only two operators and has a high rate of fire.
Since the beginning of 2024, the State Border Guard Service has reported 59,000 refusals to cross the border, mostly to men aged 18-60. Most violations are recorded on the border with Romania and Moldova, and there has been a decrease in illegal crossing attempts.
Training of the joint command of the Belarusian and Russian troops has started in Minsk and will last until January 16. The exercise is a preparation for the West 2025 strategic maneuvers.
State Border Guard Service spokesman Andriy Demchenko said that military exercises in Belarus until January 31 do not pose a threat to Ukraine. There are currently not enough Russian troops on the territory of Belarus.
Border guards detained 8 residents of Zakarpattia while trying to illegally cross the border with Hungary. One of the offenders was a minor, and all the detainees were referred to court.
The State Border Guard Service and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine are closely monitoring military exercises in Belarus near the Ukrainian border. The exercises will take place from January 8 to 31 in the Gomel district with the involvement of territorial troops.
From January 4 to January 10, 2025, 508 thousand people crossed the Ukrainian border, which is 16. 9% more than the previous week. The largest flow was observed on January 4-5, when more than 105 thousand people crossed the border daily.
The National Police has served 45 suspicion notices to organizers and participants of the illegal border trafficking schemes. More than 600 searches are being conducted with the participation of various law enforcement agencies.
The State Border Guard Service does not record the movement of Belarusian military equipment and personnel near the Ukrainian border. SBGS spokesperson Demchenko said that Belarus is only escalating the situation with constant exercises.
The State Border Guard Service spoke about the implementation of the Secure Border project and strengthening the protection of the northern borders. Fortifications are being built on the border with Belarus and the video surveillance system is being expanded.
The Center for Countering Disinformation denied fake reports of Russian troops breaking through the border in the north of Chernihiv region. The State Border Guard Service confirms no breakthrough, but warns of the threat of shelling.
Ukraine's border saw a significant increase in passenger traffic during the New Year and Christmas period. On peak days, the number of crossings reached 150,000 people per day, while on holidays, the figures dropped to 32,000.
Since the beginning of martial law in Ukraine, more than 50 people have died trying to cross the border illegally. Half of the deaths occurred in 2024, in particular, while trying to cross the Tisa River.
The State Border Guard Service reports a decrease in attempts to illegally cross the border in recent days. Violators use various disguises, including special equipment and joining funeral processions.
Border guards at the Nyzhankovychi checkpoint found 61 gold bars in the armrest of a Toyota. The 37-year-old Donetsk resident and her passenger could not explain the origin of the gold worth UAH 6 million.
Two men dressed as railroad workers and trying to illegally enter Slovakia were detained in Zakarpattia. The offenders and their guides were detained near the border fence.
The Verkhovna Rada has approved Ukraine's defense budget for 2025 in the amount of UAH 2. 22 trillion. The Ministry of Defense will receive the most funds - UAH 1.57 trillion, the Ministry of Internal Affairs - UAH 438 billion, and the National Guard - UAH 161 billion.
The government has updated the rules for crossing the border for men aged 18-25 who served under contract in the Armed Forces. A special certificate from the unit commander and a military registration document are now required to leave.
High passenger traffic of up to 150 thousand people per day has been recorded at the Ukrainian border. 85% of the total flow is made up of Ukrainians, half of whom cross the border with Poland.
The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine does not record any additional build-up of Russian forces on the border with Chernihiv, Sumy and Kharkiv regions. Active hostilities continue in the direction of Lypky and Vovchansk.
A spokesperson for the State Border Guard Service said that there are not enough Russian troops in Belarus to invade again. No movements of equipment or personnel of the Russian and Belarusian armies have been observed at the border.
More than 150,000 people crossed the border of Ukraine every day before Christmas, 80% of whom were Ukrainians. Currently, passenger traffic is at the level of 100-115 thousand people per day, with a preference for leaving the country.
In Sumy, a law enforcement officer was detained for passing on information about the location of checkpoints and passwords for travel in exchange for money. The offender managed to receive UAH 30 thousand from a local resident.
On Christmas Day, 68,000 people crossed the border on December 25, which is significantly less than in previous days. Border guards note the highest passenger traffic dynamics during martial law during the New Year holidays.
The SBGS reports a decrease in attempts to illegally cross the border from August to December 2023. Most violations are recorded on the border with Romania and Moldova, and the least - with Poland.
The Army+ app launches the Plus program for the military with access to special offers. Among the partners are Ukrzaliznytsia and Ukrnafta, which provide discounts and preferences for defenders.
Border guards have recorded the highest number of border crossings during martial law - 150-154 thousand people per day. In the morning, there are no queues to leave Ukraine, and the border with Moldova is the least busy.
The deputy head of the Krakivets checkpoint organized a scheme to illegally cross the border with Poland. He helped people with fake disability certificates to bypass the queue and pass a simplified check.